Bradford sprung their first surprise by edging out League One side Notts County at Meadow Lane, with goalkeeper Matt Duke saving superbly from Yoann Arquin, who then struck the bar after Lee Hughes' injury-time effort had been parried into his path. James Hanson made the hosts pay for their profligacy with a curling effort from the edge of the area.

Second round - Watford 1 Bradford 2, August 28, 2012:

Garry Thompson was the Bantams' hero with a dramatic late winner as Bradford upset the Championship outfit, who led through Ikechi Anya's fine half-volley from 25 yards until six minutes from the end. However, Kyel Reid lashed home to equalise before Thompson sent the Hornets spinning out with a drilled effort from 15 yards.

Third round - Bradford 3 Burton 2 (AET), September 25, 2012:

Bradford reached the last 16 for the first time in 24 years thanks to Stephen Darby's extra-time winner. The hosts were staring elimination in the face when Billy Kee and Aaron Webster put Albion two goals to the good after half an hour. But Bradford fought back as Nahki Wells scored seven minutes before the end and then equalised in the final minute to send the game to extra-time, where Darby drilled home from just outside the area.

The Bantams' challenge started to gather speed when they shocked Premier League opponents Wigan at the DW Stadium. The Latics created a host of opportunities but could not make a breakthrough during the 90 minutes or in extra-time. Shaun Maloney then blazed his penalty over and Jordi Gomez saw his saved as the visitors advanced to the last eight.

Bradford made everyone sit up and take notice after humbling Arsenal at Valley Parade. While they were grateful once more for penalties, Phil Parkinson's side outplayed the Gunners for much of the encounter to reach a first ever semi-final. The spot-kick specialists won their ninth successive penalty shoot-out after Thomas Vermaelen struck the post. The Arsenal skipper had earlier appeared to rescue his side with a header three minutes from normal time to equalise Garry Thompson's first-half volley.

Semi-final, first leg - Bradford 3 Aston Villa 1, January 8, 2013:

Bradford were firm underdogs again but claimed a hat-trick of wins against Premier League opposition. Nahki Wells opened the scoring in the 19th minute and defender Rory McArdle headed home Gary Jones' cross in the 77th minute. Villa, who spurned a hatful of chances in either half, grabbed a crucial late lifeline through Andreas Weimann before Carl McHugh restored the home side's two-goal advantage with another header two minutes from the end.

Christian Benteke gave Aston Villa a deserved 24th-minute lead but after 55 minutes Villa's Achilles heel at set pieces again proved their undoing as James Hanson restored Bradford's two-goal aggregate lead. The striker got in front of Ron Vlaar to head home a corner and send the 6,500 Bradford fans wild with delight. Andreas Weimann struck in the 89th minute to set up a tense finale, but Bradford survived the final few minutes to book their place in the Wembley final.